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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/whenlilacsbloomoOOgall 



When the Lilacs Bloom 
and Other Poems 

By 
JULIA R. GALLOWAY 




Boston: Richard G. Badger 

Clje (3avl>nm greas 

1905 



Copyright igos by JULIA R. GALLOWAY 
All rights reserved 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
TwoGooies Received 

JAN 2 1906 

Copyright Entry 



. uopyrtjrnt Entry 

fa*. 4. /*#& 

JLASS 4» XXC. No. 



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PRINTED AT 

THE GORHAM PRESS 

BOSTON, U. S. A. 



To the dear ones at home — 
and a host of kind friends. 

DEDICATION 

Along Life's rough and rugged way 

We've traveled far together; 

We've braved full many a Wintry storm 

And shared the pleasant weather. 

You've been to me a prop and stay 

In days of joy and gladness; 

And sung with me Life's Roundelay 

In days of joy and gladness. 

And so for many a helpful word. 

And many a cheering look, 

I dedicate to you, my friends, 

This humble little book. 



CONTENTS 


When the Lilacs Bloom 


7 


A Birthday Greeting 








9 


The Old Shoemaker . 








IO 


A Reflection 








13 


An Echo of Summer 








14 


A Psalm of Thanksgiving 






15 


Thanksgiving Day In Town and 


Com 


i try 


17 


The Christmas Star . 






18 


A New Year's Gift . 








20 


The Message of Easter 








21 


A Benediction . 








22 


Longing 








24 


" Aftermath " 








25 


To My Friend Louise 








26 


The Home Call 








27 


A Nation s Prayer 








29 


Our Hero 








3i 


My Soldier Laddie 








32 


My Lady Silvds Eyes 








34 


Virginia .... 








36 


A Question 








38 



// / Were A Little Girl 
A Prayer For Old Age 
Love's Kingdom 
A Lover s Reverie 
The Old Family Doctor 
Sandy Joe 

To A St. Valentine's Baby 
My Lassie 

The Suburbanite Dance 
Columbia and the Prince 
The Rose's Secret 
A Message From the Daisies 
The Old Hand Organ Man 
-The Pansy 
The Passing Regiment 



39 
4i 
42 

43 
44 
47 
49 
50 
52 
54 
56 
57 
58 
60 
62 



WHEN THE LILACS BLOOM 

I would give the world, were it mine today, 

To tread once more the lonely way, 

Down the lane, through the meadow bars, 

Where the dew drops glistened beneath the stars; 

To climb once more up the winding stair 

To the loft above with its rafters bare, 

And lay me down in the old back room, 

When the Springtime comes and the Lilacs bloom. 

Oh sweet was my sleep on the trundle bed, 
While the stars peeped in through the roof o'er head, 
And every breath of the April breeze 
Wafted the snow from the orchard trees 
Over my open window sill, 
And my heart would leap and my pulses thrill, 
When I'd catch a breath of the sweet perfume 
That came from the purple Lilac's bloom. 

The old bush stood by the garden wall, 
And under its branches green and tall, 
The Bluebird came with his mate in Spring, 
And sheltered her 'neath his downy wing, 
While the Robin, perched on a branch above, 
Poured to the sky his song of love, 
And the Oriole paused to rest and plume 
His brilliant wing on the Lilacs' bloom. 



Then something strange in my bosom stirred 

Like the restless wings of a captured bird, 

And I'd lie there dreaming the whole night through 

Of the wondrous things I would dare and do, 

While siren voices seemed to call 

My restless spirit away from all, 

The charm and peace of the old back room 

And the fragrance sweet of the Lilacs' bloom. 

I little dreamed of the world of care 

That lay beyond my visions there ; 

Of the disappointment, pain, and strife 

That must weave themselves through the web of life ; 

But something stirs in my heart always 

The hopes and dreams of by-gone days, 

And the visions sweet of the back room, 

When the Springtime comes and the Lilacs bloom! 



A BIRTHDAY GREETING 

I send with my birthday greeting 
A message of love and cheer, 

And wish you the Father's blessing 
Through each succeeding year. 

I wish they may all be brighter 

Than those you have known as yet, 

And dinna forget me, Laddie, 

Dinna forget! 

Oh the years will come and go Lad, 

Like the Winter wind and snow, 
And leave but a dim remembrance 

Of faces that now we know, 
But deep in my heart o'hearts Lad, 

A gem in my memory set, 
I'll treasure your deeds of kindness, 

And Laddie, I'll not forget, 
Dear Laddie, I'll not forget! 



THE SHOEMAKER 

The shoemaker sits on his little bench 

In the shop across the way. 
His face is wrinkled, his form is bent, 

And his hair is thin and gray; 
But the wrinkled face is a kindly one, 

And under its ruddy hue, 
There are signs of battles fought and won 

With a heart and purpose true; 
And whether the clouds hang high or low 

He sings at his work all day, 
Through Summer's heat and Winter's snow, 

And keeps pegging, pegging away! 

The shoemaker's shop is a queer old place, 

Just a little hole in the wall, 
Where the sunbeams struggle to find a space 

To peep through the windows small. 
The walls are hung with curious things, 

And even the workmen's stools 
Are strewn with leather and bits of string 

And quaint old cobbler's tools. 
The shoemaker's work seems never done 

From dawn 'til the close of day, 
And often the rays of the rising sun 

Find him pegging, pegging away! 



How often I've watched with curious eyes 

The shoes he is brought to mend ! 
There are worn old slippers of every size 

And of boots and shoes no end. 
Some that have trodden on restless feet 

Through the thorny paths of sin, 
While others on errands of mercy sweet 

Have grown wretchedly old and thin; 
But it matters not to the cobbler man, 

As he sings at his work all day, 
Though the worn soles picture a spoiled life plan, 

He keeps pegging, pegging away. 

The shoemaker once had a little boy, 

So I've heard the neighbors say, 
A living bundle of life and joy 

That played by his side all day; 
But the Angel of Death on his tireless wing 

Looked down one day and smiled, 
And just as the trees were blossoming 

They buried the little child. 
The old man patiently bowed his head 

O'er the spot where his loved one lay, 
Then took up his life with its broken thread 

And kept pegging, pegging away! 



ii 



The joy had fled from the cobbler's life, 

But he sang at his work and smiled, 
And dreamed of his boy and the loving wife 

Who lay sleeping beside their child ; 
And only the eyes of his friends could trace 

As the swift years rolled along, 
The lines of grief in the old man's face, 

Or the minor chords in his song; 
But this is the lesson I've learned, my dears, 

From the cobbler old and gray, 
Life was not given for idle tears, 

So keep pegging, pegging away! 



A REFLECTION 

I love the glorious days of early Fall, 

When earth and sky seem melting into one 

Beneath the golden glory of the Autumn sun; 

And when at night the hills the Sun has kissed 

Lie wrapped in glistening folds of silver mist ; 

While the tired Earth, 

Dropping her burden of grain and fruit, 

Lies in the Sun's embrace, serene and mute. 

It seems to me that then of all the days 

God hath so richly crowned 

With tenderness and love, 

I catch beyond the morning's purple haze 

Bright visions of the glorious home above ; 

And though I long to see Him face to face 

I'll be content to tarry here awhile, 

Since in the Autumn's rainbow hues I trace „ 

Such bright reflections of my Father's smile. 



13 



AN ECHO OF SUMMER 

Oh the Summer is past, and the birds have all flown, 
But my heart claims their music and joy for its own, 
For a gentle, sweet spirit seems lingering near, 
Singing softly, " I love you, I love you, My Dear! " 

And oft when I walk in the stillness of night, 
The stars beam upon me so merry and bright, 
I fancy the angels are hovering near, 
Singing softly, " I love you, I love you, My Dear! " 

Come joy or come sorrow, come sunshine or rain, 
My heart is still singing this joyous refrain ! 
This must be the portal, for Heaven seems near, 
Since you love me, I know, and I love you, My Dear ! 



14 



A PSALM OF THANKSGIVING 

Lives there a man with heart attuned so low 
He can no honor to his Maker show, 

Who hath with tender mercies hedged his ways 
And doth with loving kindness crown his days ? 

For him are given the sunshine and the rain, 
The fruitful vineyards and the golden grain, 

And Nature from her bounteous storehouse yields 
The hidden treasures of her groves and fields. 

And were he like the savage, Nature's child, 
Roaming the forests and the prairies wild ; 

Had art nor culture yet to him been given 

To woo his wayward footsteps up to Heaven, — 

He still were blest, for God to all doth give 
The right to labor, and 'tis joy to live! 

What matter though in man's brief span of life 
Come toil and trouble, times of care and strife? 

The rudest storms their raging soonest cease, 
And war-like weapons pave the path to Peace. 

Where would the glory of our Nation be 
Were there no adverse winds on land and sea? 



IS 



'Twas spite of wind and wave and tempest's roar 
Our Pilgrim Fathers landed on our shore, 

And kneeling there upon the rock-bound coast 
Returned their thanks for what we prize the most, 

Our boasted freedom, and the right to toil 
And rear their homes upon the fertile soil ; 

And from the ashes of their altar fires 
Rise high today our Nation's gilded spires; 

Our starry banner freely waves on high, 
The Bird of Freedom proudly roams the sky, 

And blessed shall our Nation ever be, 

Lord God of Hosts, while we remember Thee! 



16 



THANKSGIVING DAY IN TOWN AND 
COUNTRY 

Lord of the Harvest ! Now to Thee, 
Whose blessings crown our days, 
'Neath glittering dome and homely spire 
We lift our songs of praise. 

Rich are the gifts thou hast bestowed 
In storehouse and in field; 
Through perils great on land and sea 
Our God hath been our shield. 

And now around the festal board 
Are gathered great and small; 
Old friends long parted meet again 
In cot and banquet hall. 

The humblest homes have tribute paid 
To grace the halls of state; 
May this be aye our Nation's pride, 
A manhood strong and great! 

When Night her starry curtain draws 
We'll gather kith and kin 
And dance the festive hours away 
To harp and violin. 

And thus in town and country round 
Shall all be bright and gay; 
We'll render thanks and keep the feast 
This glad Thanksgiving Day! 

17 



THE CHRISTMAS STAR 

Far away 'neath the Orient skies, 
Near the dawn of a Winter day, 

Fast asleep in a manger bed 
A little baby lay; 

While close beside him resting, 
Her pale face bright with joy, 

The weary mother softly slept 
Beside her little boy. 

The camels knelt about them, 

And oxen meek and mild 
Kept watch above the humble bed 

Of Mary and her child. 

The shepherds kept their flocks by night 

On lonely plain and hill; 
A strange, sweet peace was in the air 

And everything was still; 

When suddenly from out the skies 

They heard the angels sing, 
" Peace, peace on earth, good will to men 

All hail the newborn King! " 

Then o'er the lowly manger bed 

The shepherds saw afar, 
One golden, glorious beam of light, 

One bright, refulgent star! 



Oh gentle King, so lowly born, 
Whose star so wondrous bright 

Shone out upon the sad old earth 
That first sweet Christmas night, 

Come reign again in human hearts 
'Til nations strive no more, 

And hushed in joyful hymns of praise 
Are all the sounds of war! 

'Til man to man shall brother be 
And sin and striving cease, 

Then o'er the earth shall shine again 
The Christmas Star of Peace! 



19 



A NEW YEAR'S GIFT 

Oh sad and sweet are the thoughts that come 
As the Old Year fades and dies, 

But springing up from its ashes old 
New flames of hope shall rise. 

Spend not the moments in vain regret 

For the days that lie behind ; 
The future days hold treasures rare 

And they who seek shall find. 

So leaving the Old Year with its deeds, 

With heart and purpose true, 
Accept the New Year as a gift 

That God hath sent to you. 



20 



THE MESSAGE OF EASTER 

He spake, the Lord of all the earth, 
From out the glowing skies; 

He bade the grave its victim yield, 
And called the dead to rise. 

An angel rolled the stone away 
And from the grave's deep gloom 

The risen Lord in glory came 
Triumphant from the tomb. 

The lilies sprang to meet him 

Along the sunlit way, 
And Nature donned her floral robes 

That golden Easter Day. 

The birds flew forth on joyous wing, 
God's messengers of peace, 

To bid all weeping eyes look up 
And hopeless sorrow cease. 

And hence for aye the Easter-tide 
This message sweet shall bring, 

" The Grave no more hath victory, 
And Death hath lost its sting! " 



21 



A BENEDICTION 

Oh the years have come and gone, Dear, 

As the years will come and go, 
With their bridal wreaths of blossoms, 

And their shrouds of Winter snow, 
Since you passed to dreamless sleeping 

And left me weeping here, 
With your whispered benediction, 

" Good Night, God bless you Dear! " 

Yet oft when the night has fallen 

And stars their watches keep 
Where Nature's weary little ones 

Lie wrapped in slumber deep, 
I toss on my restless pillow, 

And long your voice to hear, 
While your loving arms enfold me, 

" Good Night, God bless you Dear! " 

Oh speak to me through the silence 

Of the years that have rolled away ; 
Come and kneel once more beside me 

As you used at close of day; 
Lay your cool hand on my forehead, 

Let me feel you bending near, 
While you whisper softly, slowly, 

" Good Night, God bless you Dear! " 



22 



And when at last across my path 

The long dark shadows close, 
And to this restless heart of mine 

God grants his sweet repose, 
I'll lay me down as one who sleeps, 

Without a sigh or fear, 
If only you will whisper then, 

" Good Night, God bless you Dear! " 



23 



LONGING 

The moonlight falls in slanting rays 

Along the old familiar ways, 
Where oft I walk and idly gaze 

And try to pierce the misty haze 
That hides you! 

I've wished no other's face to see, 
I've sought no other's company, 

But patiently I wait for thee, 

Whose love is all the world to me, 
My treasure! 

I've tried to lift the load of care 
And others' joys and sorrows share, 

But often in the hour of prayer 
Your whispered name is all I bear 
To Heaven! 

I've tried to speak the word of cheer, 
To make another's path less drear, 

But oh, my heart so longs to hear 

Your whispered words so low and clear, 
" I love you Dear, I love you ! " 



24 



"AFTERMATH " 

Moonlight and starlight! Perfume of clover; 

Shadows a flitting low on the grass. 

Far in the distance birds flying over 

Fan the soft air with their wings as they pass ! 

Moonlight and starlight! Musical voices; 
Eyes that are beaming, tender and bright; 
Sweetly the harp of the senses rejoices, 
Heart tuned to heart in the stillness of night! 

Moonlight and starlight! Visions of rapture, 
Bright as the stars in the heavens above; 
Blissful the moments the flying hours capture, 
Kisses that linger and whispers of love! 



Moonlight and starlight! Silence and sadness! 
Joys like the Summer, too quickly depart, 
Leaving in place of their beauty and gladness 
Memories that fall like a cloud on the heart! 



25 



TO MY FRIEND LOUISE 

The way seems dark, My Darling, 

The clouds hang thick and gray, 
But somewhere, just behind them, 

There shines a brighter day ; 
And somewhere, sometime, Darling, 

If we only trust and pray, 
The day will break in splendor 

And the shadows flee away! 

Oh I know not what the future 

Of our changeful lives may be, 
Nor what of joy or sorrow 

The years may bring to me; 
But this I pray, My Darling, 

Beyond Life's fitful sea, 
My barque may find its harbor 

And anchor close to thee. 



26 



THE HOME CALL 

The grass grows damp in the meadow, 

The night turns chill and cold, 
And all the hills and valleys 

Are wrapped in a misty fold; 
And I hear a wild commotion 

Throughout each wooded crest, 
Where the mother birds are calling 

Their young ones home to nest. 

I love to watch their eager flight 

Across the darkening sky, 
As home to the leafy shelter 

The weary nestlings fly; 
And soon all their noisy chatter 

Is hushed under downy wings, 
While over them the mother bird 

Her plaintive vesper sings. 

And then in the hush of twilight 

Another voice I hear, 
Floating across the meadow 

In accents sweet and clear; 
And it seems to me its music 

Is near to the birds' akin, 
As it rises and falls so gently, 

Calling the children in. 



27 



Down fall the noisy playthings, 

The trumpet, ball, and drum, 
As with many a laughing protest 

The children homeward come; 
And soon all their merry laughter 

Is hushed in a trundle bed, 
While over her sleeping darlings 

The mother's prayers are said. 

And musing alone in the silence 

That closes the Summer day, 
I think of the coming twilight, 

When, weary of work and play, 
I'll drop all my earthly playthings, 

My burden of care and sin, 
To answer the welcome summons, 

When my Father calls, " Come in ! 



28 



A NATION'S PRAYER 

FOR 

President William McKinley 

Dear Lord, as in the wilderness 
Thy people cried in great distress, 
And thou didst lend thine aid and bless, 
So hear us now when cares oppress, 
And grant our Nation's prayer! 

Forbid that o'er this land so bright 
Should fall the curtains of the night 
When Wrong shall triumph over Right, 
And murderous hands put out the light 
Of Liberty and Peace. 

Though stricken by the assassin's hand 
Lies low the noblest of our land, 
Oh may we as the Pilgrim band 
Strong in thy truth still firmly stand, 
Cast down, but not destroyed! 

Thou art the ruler of our fate; 
In thee we trust, though perils great 
Surround our gallant ship of state, 
And all the land seems desolate 
For one we love laid low! 



2 9 



We will not fear, for bravely still 
Our leader fights and fears no ill, 
But calmly hopes and waits until 
Shall be revealed thy sovereign will 
Our Nation's God and his! 



3° 



OUR HERO 

President William McKinley 

Say not our hero died, 

Sweet be his sleep! 
Pause not to murmur then, 

Pause not to weep! 

For though his clay we lay 

Low 'neath the sod, 
Back the triumphant soul 

Turns to its God. 

His be the laurel crown, 

Nobly 'twas won ! 
His be the plaudit now, 

" Servant, well done." 

Soldier and statesman, friend, 

Tender and true; 
Oft shall the thought of thee 

Our faith renew. 

Tell me not then " He died," 

Whisper it never; 
Lives spent in noble deeds 

Live on forever! 

3 1 



MY SOLDIER LADDIE 

The Night Wind mourned for the dying day, 

As my brave young soldier laddie, 
Shouldered his musket and marched away 
Over the mountains cold and gray, 
Down to the South where the foemen lay 
Eagerly waiting the coming fray — 
My brave young soldier laddie! 

How noble he looked in his suit of blue, 

My brave young soldier laddie! 
As he turned to wave us a last adieu, 
His eyes aflame with a purpose true, 
Just as the last faint bugle blew 
And the long line faded away from view, — 

My brave young soldier laddie! 

Oh it seemed that his life had just begun, 

My brave young soldier laddie! 
The moonlight gleamed on his sword and gun, 
And we fondly prayed when the war was done 
He would come again with his laurels won 
Far beyond 'neath the Southern sun, 

My brave young soldier laddie! 

But safe through battle and prison pen, 

Many a soldier laddie, 
Back to his loved ones came again, 
And great was the joy in the village then; 
But who can picture our sorrow when 



fr. rM ■■•■- £Hii ; . 3 2 



We missed from the ranks of marching men 
My brave young soldier laddie! 

But his dear old comrades love to tell 

How my brave young soldier laddie, 
Bearing the banner he loved so well, 
Braving the tempest of shot and shell, 
Straight in the teeth of the Rebel yell 
Planted his standard, and dying fell — 
My brave young soldier laddie! 

They made a grave on the mountain steep 

For my brave young soldier laddie; 
Where 'round about him the ivies creep, 
While down in the valley the willows weep, 
And the sentinel pines their bivouac keep 
Over the place where he lies asleep — 
My brave young soldier laddie! 

I know not the spot where he lies today, 

My brave young soldier laddie! 
But wrapped in the mists of the mountains gray 
He waits for the dawn of the golden day, 
When the Angel of Peace sounds the reveille, 
And wars are banished for aye and aye — 

My brave young soldier laddie! 



33 



MY LADY SILVA'S EYES 

I love the gentle maiden 
With eyes of Heaven's blue ; 
I adore the stately beauty 
With orbs of somber hue ; 
But in simple adoration 
My heart and soul bow down, 
To the mischief-loving Silva 
With sparkling eyes of brown! 

I gaze into their lustrous depths 

And fancy there I see 

The glimmer and the shimmer 

Of wild waves flowing free! 

All the tender warmth and passion 

Of the fair Italian skies 

Are reflected as in mirrors 

In my Lady Silva's eyes. 

I watch their changeful beauty, 
Now so tender, shy and sweet, 
I long to throw my fortune, 
Soul and body at her feet ; 
But then again they swiftly turn 
And through the leafless trees 
I seem to feel the chilling blast 
Of cold November's breeze — 



34 



And though I know 'tis like the storm 

That clouds the Summer skies, 

And rainbow hues will soon return 

To sparkle in those eyes, 

My heart grows faint within me 

And no ray of light I see, 

'Til once again those dreamy orbs 

Are smiling, turned on me. 

Her voice is like the music 
Of some old familiar tune, 
Her laughter like the ripple 
Of the meadow brooks in June; 
But oh, for me the Summer sun 
In darkness settles down 
When Silva drops her lashes 
O'er those lovely eyes so brown! 

Oh I love the gentle maiden 
With eyes of Heaven's blue, 
I adore the stately beauty 
With orbs of somber hue; 
I like the gray-eyed lassie 
With her love of books and art, 
But 'tis aye the brown-eyed Silva 
That captive takes my heart! 



35 



VIRGINIA 

Virginia walked beside me 
In the twilight's ruddy glow, 
Through the cool and shady garden 
Where the rose and lily blow. 
The air was full of music 
And the trees that waved above 
Seemed full of tender voices 
Gently whispering of love. 

She plucked a blushing rosebud, 
Breathed its perfume rich and rare, 
And laughing, bade me place it 
In her crown of shining hair. 
I took the fragrant blossom, 
Tried to place it as I ought, 
But one rebellious ringlet 
On its cruel thorn was caught! 

In vain I sought to free it, 
Cupid laid for me a snare, 
And I found my fingers prisoned 
By those clinging waves of hair. 
My pulses throbbed with rapture wild 
As captured birds will flutter; 
My heart was full of tender words 
My tongue refused to utter; 



36 



But love its own sweet language has 

That all may understand, 

And oft more eloquent than words 

The pressure of a hand. 

She raised to mine her lovely face, 

'Twas blushing as the rose, 

And o'er that trembling hand of mine 

I felt her fingers close. 

The rosebud bent to listen 
To the words she whispered low, 
And that garden glowed as Eden 
In the long, long ago. 
And still she walks beside me 
When the evening shadows close, 
Sweeter far than any blossom 
Of the lily or the rose; 

For there's naught in Art or Nature 
Half so fair or half so good 
As a winsome, gentle woman 
With her crown of motherhood ; 
And to me she's fairer, dearer, 
With our wee ones 'round her chair, 
Than when I placed the blushing rose 
In sweet Virginia's hair! 



37 



A QUESTION 

I know that I do not love you, 
But why through my throbbing veins 
Does the warm blood leap and struggle 
As though it would burst its chains — 
Like a wild, fierce bird of freedom 
That naught on this earth can tame, 
Beating my throbbing temples 
Whenever I hear your name? 

I know that I do not love you, 
But why should my pulses thrill, 
And with sudden, strong emotion 
My heart grow strangely still, 
When out on the lonely highway, 
Or crowded city street, 
For only one brief second 
Your earnest glance I meet? 

I know that I do not love you, 
But oft when the sun has set, 
And flowers in the meadow sleeping 
With Nature's tears are wet, 
I muse alone in the twilight 
With passionate, vain regret; 
Ah, I say that I do not love you, 
But why can I not forget? 



38 



IF I WERE A LITTLE GIRL 

How often I wish when the day is done 

That I were a girl, a little girl ; 
I'd follow the path of the setting sun 
When Night had pulled her curtains down, 
Back through the meadows cool and sweet, 
With the dewdrops bathing my weary feet, 

Into my mother's arms I'd creep 
And sleep once more where I used to sleep, 
When I was a girl, a little girl! 

I'd like to feel as I used to feel, 

When I was a girl, a little girl, 
Her loving arms around me steal, 
As down by her rocking-chair I'd kneel, 
To sleepily murmur my evening prayer, 
While her soft hand gently caressed my hair, 
And when I had spoken my last "Amen " 
She would kiss me gently and whisper then, 
" God bless and keep you, my little girl! " 

I'd like to lie where I used to lie, 

When I was a girl, a little girl ; 
And watch the feathery clouds float by, 
Dreaming each star was an angel's eye 
Set in the beautiful dome above, 
A sign and symbol of God's own love, 

To watch and guard and protect me here, 
And that Heaven itself was very near, 
When I was a girl, a little girl ! 

39 



Oh safe in those sheltering arms shut in, 

If I were a girl, a little girl, 
Away from temptation, care, and sin, 
Back to my heart there might come again, 
Soothing its tempests of grief and pain, 
All of my childish faith and trust 

In the broken idols that turned to dust, 
If the sorrowful years could backward whirl 

And leave me again, just a little girl ! 



40 



A PRAYER FOR OLD AGE 

Time flies on winged winds along 

And bears us on our way, 
So swiftly and so silently 

The years pass as a day. 
The kindred hearts we hold so dear, 

The friends so true and kind, 
Fall 'round us like the Autumn leaves 

And leave no trace behind; 
Save in our hearts an aching void 

That time can never fill, 
Though Memory soothes with patient hand 

And whispers " Peace, be still ! " 

Through infant's dawn and childhood's years 

The days seem full of joy, 
For Hope paints bright with rainbow hues 

The day dreams of a boy; 
But Duty calls with manhood's might, 

" Put childish things away," 
And blest are they whose willing feet 

Run swiftly to obey; 
For though the path be rough and steep 

O'er which our feet may roam, 
God sets above his Guiding Star 

To lead the wanderer home. 



4i 



And when at last our weary feet 

Cross o'er the Great Divide, 
And youth and manhood slip away 

Upon the other side; 
When twilight shadows thickly fall 

And turn to night the day; 
And Time's remorseless fingers touch 

And turn the gold to gray; — 
God grant in peace and quietness 

The years may settle down, 
To hoary age, Life's recompense, 

Its glory, and its crown. 



LOVE'S KINGDOM 

I know not how Love came and entered in, 
So fast my heart was shut, and barred the door ; 
Love found the key, and though it were a sin, 
Captured my store. 

And now it seems so wonderful a thing, 
That I, who once did scorn and laugh at Love, 
Should own him as my Master and my King, 
Sent from above. 

And into such sweet thralldom am I cast 
That I no more resistance make, nor care, 
Save only that Love's kingdom 'til the last 
Be pure and fair. 



42 



. • -. <. ■.. 



A LOVER'S REVERIE 

Sometimes when the days seem long and hard 

And my soul grows sick and faint 
With the endless struggle to keep its guard 

From the world's corrupting taint, 
My thoughts turn back to a quiet spot 

On the brow of a sunlit hill, 
Where the girl I love in her humble cot 

Is waiting for me still. 

And I see her then as I saw her last, 

With her face so sweet and fair 
Framed in the halos the sunbeams cast 

On her crown of shining hair; 
And still in my airy fancy's glow 

She seems so very near 
I seem to hear her whisper low, 

" God bless and keep you Dear! " 

Oh the toilsome days may be long and hard 

And my waiting time be long, 
But her loving spirit standing guard 

Shall keep me brave and strong; 
And if only her face I may sometime see 

When the evening shadows fall 
With a tender welcome awaiting me, 

Her love will atone for all. 



43 I 



THE OLD FAMILY DOCTOR 

Our Doctor, he's a jolly man, 
He's awful kind and good, 
He gives me sugar-coated pills 
That taste like angels' food! 
An' onct when I was awful sick 
An' had the stumic-ache, 
An' felt so mean an' queer inside 
I thought my back would break, 
He didn't give me castor ile 
Like some old Doctors do; 
I guess he 'members when he was 
A little shaver too! 

My sister had a rabbit onct ; 

'Twould sit up straight and beg, 

An' one day it was hoppin' round 

An' broke its little leg. 

My sister she just cried and cried 

As if her heart was broked, 

But I just sat and swallored lumps 

Until I nearly choked. 

At last we took it down to Doc, 

But he was awful bizzy, 

He said he had so much to do 

It almost made him dizzy; 



44 



But when he looked at sister's face 

So watery and red, 

He wiped his eyes and blew his nose 

An' stroked her curly head; 

An' then he says, " There now, my chile, 

Now just you wait a minute, 

We'll make a little plaster cast 

An' put that Bunny in it! " 

An' don't you think, that rabbit's leg 

Could travel all the faster 

When one day Doctor took his knife 

An' cut away the plaster! 

An' onct mamma was awful sick, 
The house was still and sad ; 
It seemed as if we all had lost 
The only friend we had. 
We sent for Doctor awful quick 
But when he went away — 
Why, everybody brightened up 
An' looked so kinder gay — 
I asked my papa why it was 
He seemed so full of joy, 
But he just smiled at me and said, 
" I've got another boy! " 



45 



I didn't know just what he meant, 

But when I went upstairs 

An' knelt beside my mother's bed 

To say my evening prayers, 

I found a little baby boy 

All wrapped up fit to smother, 

A lying there so fast asleep 

Close snuggled up to mother! 

I guess that's why folks love Doc so, 

For sometime or another 

He's brought most every kid in town 

A sister or a brother. 

An' sometimes I have heard folks say 

What I don't understand, 

That Doctors help folks into life 

An' to the better land; 

But everybody loves our Doc, 

He's getting old and gray, 

An' onct when I was loafin' round 

I heard my father say, 

That when our good old Doctor 

Went to cross the golden strand 

He knew the Great Physician there 

Would lead him by the hand! 



46 



te fe:J »M - - •■-.__ ... __ fc^j 



SACRED TO THE MEMORY 

OF 

" SANDY JOE," 
"THE AUTUMN-COLORED PUP" 

Poor Sandy Joe was a delicate pup, 

He never was strong from his babyhood up, 

And though he was patiently, tenderly reared, 

He met with the untimely death which we feared; 

And one Summer day as the tides ebb and flow 
The breath left the body of poor Sandy Joe! 

We gathered around him, all sorry and sad, 
For poor Sandy Joe was the one pet we had. 

Poor Calvin did weep and dear Bobby did wail, 
While dear little Mildred clung tight to his tail; 

And no living mortal might solace their woe 
O'er the untimely taking of poor Sandy Joe ! 

I'm sure I can't say what it was caused his death, 
But the Doctor he thought " 'twas acute lack of 
breath." 

We made him a grave 'neath the old orchard trees 
Where the song of the birds and the hum of the bees, 

47 



And the tall grasses waving above his cold breast 
Might soothe him to slumber and lull him to rest, 

And the gentle South Wind sang a requiem low 
O'er the last resting place of poor Sandy Joe! 

A dear little Violet, tender but brave, 
Kept watch by the side of poor Sandy's grave, 

'Til Autumn came on with the chilly North breeze 
And wove him a blanket of bright Autumn leaves; 

And the Winter Wind came with his beautiful 

snow 
And made a white shroud for our poor Sandy Joe! 



48 



•- -> - - ■ MiTirffYiiiairr L^ i^rni 1^ 



TO A ST. VALENTINE'S BABY 

Oh sweet is the song of a mother bird 
As she sits on her nest and sings, 

With her little fledglings gathered close 
Under her downy wings! 

But sweeter far is the cradle song 
Of a mother meek and mild, 

Keeping watch at the twilight hour 
Over her infant child; 

While she gently rocks and softly sings, 
" Hush ! Hush ! sweet baby mine, 

God sent you Dear, as a gift of love 
To be my Valentine." 



49 



MY LASSIE 

So you'r gaun awa', my Lassie, 

Awa frae the auld hame nest; 
Each bird maun try her pinions, 

May the brave wings stand the test! 
And ye hae my blessing, Lassie, 

Though my heart be lane and sair 
When back to the nest at even' 

My Lassie comes na mair ! 

It seems but yestreen, Lassie, 

Since first ye ope'd your eye 
And smiled like a bit o' sunshine 

Frae out the bright blue sky, 
When Daddy said, "Ah, Mither, 

There's a new bird in the nest," 
As he laid my wee bit Lassie 

Close to my throbbing breast. 

Ye mind how I watched ye, Lassie, 

Through all your helpless years, 
When ye thought na lips but Mither's 

Could kiss awa your tears? 
Ah, me thought when auld and helpless 

I'd lay me doon to dee 
I still should hae my Lassie 

To cheer and comfort me ! 



5° 



But I too hae loved, my Lassie, 

And ne'er had cause to rue 
The day I wed my Laddie, 

He was sae gude, sae true ! 
So gae to your Lad, my Lassie, 

Na doot 'tis better so, 
But there's nae love like Mither's 

To last through weel and woe! 

For love comes easy, Lassie, 

When skies are blue and bright, 
But when the storm clouds gather 

And darkly falls the night, 
Then ye maun pull together 

'Til skies again are blue, 
And Love will brave the weather 

If baith are staunch and true. 

And soon I'll gae, my Lassie, 

My life has passed its noon, 
And when the night has fallen 

I'll lay my burdens doon! 
But dinna greet for Mither, 

The years will quickly pass, 
And I'll watch aboon with Daddy 

Tae welcome hame my Lass. 



Si 



THE SUBURBANITE DANCE 

I'm not a prophet to hail with glee 

From the sunny shores of the Zuyder Zee, 

But often in fancy I think I see 

What the future calls of the dance will be. 

Stand on the corner for hours each day 
And wait for a street car to come your way, 
And when it appears with its groaning load, 
Then "Step up lively" and "Haul aboa'd" ! 

Next, reach out wildly and grab a strap, 
If you mash somebody don't care a rap ! 
Drop your bundles and do your stunt, 
Mind the conductor and " Move up front! " 

Waltz to the center, swing gaily round; 
If you possibly can, keep a foot on ground, 
If there's no available spot revealed 
Just plant your foot on the next corn field — 

It's the other fellow's, it won't hurt you, 
And feet are plenty but spaces few ! 
When the car bumps over the railroad track 
Chasse to the center and then swing back. 

Keep your temper and keep your nerve, 
While the car swings gaily around each curve ; 
" Swing your partner," pull and haul, 
When they slip the trolley " Balance all " ! 

52 



" Salute your neighbor " ; isn't it strange, 
At every corner your partners change ! 
Don't glare wildly like one bereft, 
Step up lively, grab right and left! 

" Swing off your corner," " Look out, don't fall! " 
Is the last great step in the Traction Ball, 
If you want amusement come every night 
To the dance of the Merry Suburbanite! 



53 



COLUMBIA AND THE PRINCE 

A stately Prince from the Fatherland 
Sailed out from the German shore, 

And knocked one day with jeweled hand 
On fair Columbia's door. 

The fair young Nation beamed with pride 
And wide her portals threw 

To her royal guest from the other side 
And his princely retinue. 

She wore no purple robes of state, 

No costly, jeweled crown, 
Though 'round her head a smiling Fate 

Wove chaplets of renown. 

Upon her walls no armor hung, 

No glistening coats of mail; 
Though far and wide her praise was sung 

Wherever gleamed a sail. 

She feared no foe on land or seas, 
But fear her well they might, 

For where her banners kissed the breeze 
Oppression took its flight. 

She welcomed all with friendly hand, 

The hardy sons of Toil, 
The poor, oppressed of every land 

Found peace upon her soil. 

54 



With kindliest hospitality 
Her brightest and her best 

She spread with simple courtesy 
Before her royal guest. 

" Oh fair Columbia, ocean's gem," 
His Royal Highness cried, 

"An Emperor doffs his diadem 

And clasps your hand with pride ! " 

" Not for the crown upon thy head, 

Nor for thy high estate; 
We welcome you," Columbia said, 

"As noble, good, and great! " 



55 



THE ROSE'S SECRET 

A beautiful rose in a garden grew 

In the soft and balmy air, 
And wandering lonely the garden through 

I found it blowing there. 

Its lovely face turned toward the sky, 

It breathed a perfume rare; 
A dewdrop gleamed in its yellow eye 

Like gems in a maiden's hair. 

Its subtle perfume filled my soul, 

No mortal could resist it; 
Its beauty o'er my senses stole — 

I lowly bent and kissed it. 

And then to hide its blushing face 

So modestly it tried, 
By folding close its lovely leaves 

It wrapped my kiss inside. 

Then from its stem I snatched the flower 

And fervently caressed it; 
The breezes sighed a soft "Amen " 

As tenderly I blessed it. 

So take it Dear, this token true, 

And on your bosom wear it, 
And when the bud unfolds for you 

You'll find the kiss, I swear it ! 

56 



A MESSAGE FROM THE DAISIES 

I wandered by the river side 
Where wild the blossoms grew. 

The song of birds was in the air, 
And soft the South Wind blew. 

The smile of God was everywhere, 

So tender and so sweet, 
It seemed to fill the sky above, 

The earth beneath my feet. 

I thought of Him who lonely walked 

By sadness oft oppressed, 
And seemed to hear His loving call, 

" Come unto me and rest! " 

The daisies reared their golden heads 
And smiling seemed to say 

That Solomon in all his pride 
Was never robed as they. 

And if He clothe the grasses green, 
The flowers that grow so wild, 

Will He much more in tender love 
Still guard and keep His child ! 

I plucked the daisies from their stems, 
They breathed a message true ; 

God guards and keeps these little ones 
And He will care for you. 

57 



THE OLD HAND ORGAN MAN 

I like the old hand organ 

An' the tunes the old man plays, 

An' the funny little monkey 

With his cunning tricks and ways. 

They alius make folks happy 

An' cheer up a feller so 

When he wants t' go in swimmin' 

An' his mother tells him " No! " 

Pa says that old hand organ man 

Is lazy, mean, and low, 

That it's sinful waste and wicked 

To spend my pennies so ; 

He says I orter save 'em 

For ter send from zone to zone 

The Gospel to the heathen 

Bowin' down to wood an' stone! 

Pa's worried 'bout the heathen, 
An' I'll help 'em all I can, 
But I forget about 'em 
When that old hand organ man 
Gets out there in our alley 
An' the organ 'gins ter play, 
While the monkey begs for pennies 
In his coaxin' little way; 

An' I see poor orphan Billie 

With the spine run through his back, 

An' a hump between his shoulders 

58 



Like an old pack peddler's pack, 
An' his eyes so black a shinin' 
Like two monstrous lumps of coal, 
With the pain and trouble peepin' 
Through them winders of his soul! 

He sits there still and patiently 
Through all the lonely day, 
Just waitin' for that organ man 
Ter come along and play; 
An' when he sees that monkey 
An' he hears that merry tune 
His smile is like the ripples 
On the meadow brooks in June! 

He forgets that he's a cripple 
An' his face lights up with joy, 
As if he too could run and play 
Like any other boy. 
I like ter see him happy 
An' that's why I sorter plan 
To save up all my pennies 
For the old hand organ man; 

An' sometimes I have wondered 
If the Good Man up above, 
When He looks down on His children 
With His heart so full of love, 
If I make poor Billy happy 
Will not know and understan' 
That my pennies are not wasted 
On the old hand organ man! 

59 



THE PANSY 

I love the humble wayside flower, 

The rose's blushing beauty; 
The stately lily, fair and tall, 

Gives thoughts of love and duty; 
But when my heart is lone and sad, 

Among the thyme and tansy, 
I seek my little comforter, 

The humble garden Pansy. 
I lift to mine each smiling face, 

So shy, so sweet and tender, 
I fancy they have suffered too, 

Such comfort sweet they render. 

I mind the days of shade and shine, 

The nights, when Tempests reigning, 
The patient Pansies bowed their heads 

But none were heard complaining; 
And when the morn in splendor broke, 

With softer breezes blowing, 
The gentle flowers, refreshed and fair, 

With brighter tints were glowing. 
I know they feared the chilling blasts, 

The drenching rain and dew; 
The Master Artist spared them not 

To paint the colors true. 



60 



And thus it is in life I ween, 

From dawn 'til day is ended, 
The weal and woe, the calm and strife 

Like Pansy tints are blended ; 
With days of toil and nights of pain, 

With times of joy and sorrow; 
With cherished hopes of promised gain 

That die in grief tomorrow; 
But oh, I know the Master's hand 

Each touch in love hath given, 
To make the patient heart reflect 

The rainbow hues of Heaven. 



61 



THE PASSING REGIMENT. 

Once more the days in ceaseless round 

Have brought us on our way, 
Back to the dear old camping ground 

This fair September day ; 
And through the mists of by-gone years, 

And shadows cold and gray, 
I see the boys of Sixty-one 

The day they marched away. 

I hear the tramp of marching feet, 

The scream of fife and drum, 
As swiftly down the quiet street 

The swinging columns come. 
Their starry banners kiss the breeze, 

Their silken pennants wave ; 
Ah, never summer sun looked down 

On regiment more brave. 

Fond mothers stand with tearful eyes 

To wave a last "Adieu," 
And feeble fathers watch with pride 

Their gallant boys in blue. 
The few good-byes are quickly said, 

"March on," the order rings, 
And forward down the dusty streets 

The sturdy column swings. 



62 



Their ranks are full, their courage high, 

Their hearts are stout and brave, 
For ne'er shall patriot spirits quail 

Before a soldier's grave. 
Yet life as sweet and precious was 

To manhood then as now, 
And fair Ambition's mark was set 

On every lip and brow. 

How generous, how kind they were, 

As side by side they stood ! 
Earth knows no stronger tie today 

Than soldier brotherhood. 
Their gallant deeds, Ah, who shall tell? 

Or who their record write, 
Who fell along the weary march 

Or perished in the fight! 

Once more I hear the tramp of feet; 

Once more the bugles play ; 
Once more upon our quiet streets 

The soldiers march today. 
Once more the solemn roll is called ; — 

Unbidden falls the tear, 
For few of all that manly host 

Are left to answer "Here !" 

Dear loyal hearts! God keep you all 

Safe sheltered in His love, 
Until across Death's narrow stream 

63 



You reach the camps above, 
And when the Great Commander calls, 

God grant that each of you, 
May rally with your regiment 

To pass the Grand Review ! 



64 



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